Cascade Super Ultra 50 Mile Race Report – Mark Droge

In this race report, runner Mark Droge shares his experience at the Cascade Super Ultra 50 miler (and what you should know before racing it).

Race: Cascade Super Ultra 50 Mile

Runner: Mark Droge

Race Date: 9/25/2021

Location: Cle Elum/North Bend, WA

Results: 8:45:17

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6019810097

running the cascade super ultra 50 miler

3 Bests – What aspects of the Cascade Super Ultra did you like the most?

  1. Beautiful scenery
  2. Ultra community, runners and volunteers
  3. Completely runnable trail

Not so much – What aspects of the Cascade Super Ultra didn’t do it for you?

Mileage was a bit more than 50, so when pushing the limit to finish last two miles, was discouraged when realized end wasn’t at 50 on the money.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about the Cascade Super Ultra?

At an aid station, (Easton) asked directions to the porta-potties and never found one, when had been announced one there were to be some there.

Before race, ran warm up away from the start and ran into a deer buck blocking the trail, decided confrontation wasn’t worth it so turned back.

As the day went on, was almost over run by cyclists, ton, mostly good natured, but some dangerous fast in and out of lanes.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Ran at about the max I could have run, ran it as a race, rather than a recreational run (which is how I usually approach races). Since I have been reading Endure, I have recently seen in the pages that we can go beyond what our bodies tell us we can go. With that new to me knowledge, when in last 21 miles and effort/Heart rate dipped to lower 150’s, sped up without having any body problems that I hadn’t already been experiencing. (GI went a bit sideways)

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Cascade Super Ultra to help the next runner

Easily runnable course, very gradual incline for first 29 miles, then last 18 about 1’500 decline.
Make sure to have headlamp easily accessible for the Three tunnels.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Practice nutrition at a higher intensity, have had tummy problems both 50’s this year.
Practice drop bag use.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Cascade Super Ultra?

  • Old RR grade wide double track trail
  • Probably 90% of course was in the shade, making it much more comfortable than it might have been.
  • 2 drop bags, 29 and 42.5 miles
  • 30 to 40 minutes dark running from start (headlamp needed)

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Beautiful, Fall colors are out, vibrant maples, yellows, rust and a whole lot of green.
Course runs next to Yakima river, over high bridges, through the mountains and a 2.4 mile pitch black tunnel

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Easy!

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Pretty well oiled, but either directions to outhouse at Easton aid were bad, or they just didn’t have one. Someone I caught up with was looking and didn’t find one either…

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Second year race, starting to get stronger, with Matt Urbanski (My coach) racing and crushing the last race record by nearly 2 hours, Derek Siebert taking 3rd, also faster than previous record.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Ought to be easy to get into race and get accommodations.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Can’t comment on this, had mostly my own, through wife crewing and drop bag.

Weather and typical race conditions

Ran same route last year – last year overcast beginning in the upper 40’s, rain from 10 in ending about 55.
This year start upper 40’s turned sunny, ended mid 70’s.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Personally I used a vest and needed it for two flasks, gels, headlamp (when not in use), TP (just in case, you never know) and inhaler.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Only a couple of places easily accessible. Hyak is best, just before the 2.4 mile tunnel at mile 29!

How’s the Swag?

Buckle, Tee, water bottle, buff bag.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5

chatting at the cascade super ultra

Trying to decide on your next race? Check out our coaches’ advice for choosing the best race for you.

The Super Marathon Race Report

Race: The Super Marathon

Runner: Jorge Pereira

Race Date: 6/27/2021

Location: Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Results: https://runsignup.com/superfastmarathon/results#resultSetId-260300;perpage:5000

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/5539438314/overview

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Gentle downhill, organization very well prepared for the heat, amazing volunteers, nice views.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The heat!!! The downhill can be hard on the quads too.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

There’s a 2.8 mile tunnel that’s not “weird” but kinda cool.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I managed the heat well, which is what I was most worried about. This was also in big time due to the great job of the organizers and volunteers having aid stations every 2 miles.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Definitely go for a training run on this course before. The downhill is nice but can be tough on the quads, it was for me. If it’s as hot as it was this year, I’d recommend the obvious: slow down, drink plenty, etc. I thought quite hard before the race about what equipment to bring with me: a belt, handheld bottle, or a hydration pack. Belt doesn’t carry as much water as the pack, and hand held doesn’t hold as much water and it’s a bit of a pita to carry. I personally like pack better because that’s what I am used to, so ended up with that, despite the extra weight. I am glad I did as some of the miles, especially in the last 10k, got pretty rough for me with the heat. I drank all 32 ounces I carried, plus a cup or two at every station.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Running so long in the heat was a bit of an unknown to me, so now I know a bit what to expect for next time.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

I don’t think so, but it can be tough on the quads due to downhill, and it was very tough this time due to heat.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Super well organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I was just happy to finish, did not even look at my time until I got back in the car.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Water and electrolytes in all stations. At least one station had ice and gels.

Weather and typical race conditions

Hot!!

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

In my case, I wore my trail vest (ultimate direction 4.0). I was looking for something smaller and lighter but they were all sold out. I should have looked with more advance! It worked well for me, and I liked the extra insurance due to the unknown.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

No. There’s an 18.5 mile point but otherwise it’s mostly through a trail in the mountains with limited access.

How’s the Swag?

Good.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5/5

cascade super half

Cascade Super Fast Half Race Report – Vivian V

cascade super halfRace: Cascade Super Fast Half

Runner: Vivian V

Race Date: 06/29/2019

Location: Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Results: 1:41:23

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2490812101

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. No hills!
  2. Beautiful course
  3. Well-organized; great volunteers and pacers

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  1. The end of the race. The finish area is a little crowded. It’s not really a gathering space; just a narrow gauntlet with back check, food, massage tents, popsicles (that was a nice treat!), and a few portapotties. No area to just stretch and chill.
  2. There is a ~1.2 mile walk from the finish line to the shuttle pickup area (the shuttles that take you back to your car at the start). This walk is downhill and very hard and very rocky – different from the soft packed gravel on the course. Each step was incredibly challenging. My legs stiffened and one of my knees almost gave out on me on my way down. A random couple ended up picking me up and driving me to my car. It would have been a very challenging walk otherwise, only to get onto a cramped schoolbus.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

The tunnel itself. I’ve done the Iron Horse Half and the Tunnel Light Marathon (which both go through the tunnel) so I was ready for it, but running through a 2-mile dark tunnel is a little weird. There are a few small potholes and puddles, and a few areas where drops of water drip down from the ceiling. Strangely, there were also a few random pedestrians (for some odd reason) walking the opposite direction through the tunnel – so lots to avoid.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

The pacer I ran with was really good (note: I ran with the 1:45 pacer, which was the fastest one). He told jokes and stories, knew the course like the back of his hand, and gave us lots of positive motivation.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

  1. There are 2 parking options at the beginning. One is the Hyak Ski Area parking lot, which is very big and free. It’s about a 10-minute easy walk (on pavement) from the start line area. There are lots of signs directing you. The start line is in a second parking lot, which costs about $12. The majority of cars parked here – it was a lot more crowded. I didn’t use it but it looked like an easy credit card-op machine (free if you have a Discover pass).
  2. Because it’s such a journey between the finish and the shuttle bus, I recommend putting a towel and a dry set of clothes/hat in your gear check bag, along with anything else that might comfort you (electrolyte tablets, healthy recovery snacks). You will NOT need sandals/flip flops for the end. You also won’t have any place to foam roll or do any elaborate stretching (at the finish or back at your car), so no need to bring any equipment.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I’d have someone pick me up at the finish, although I believe the cars that did so had to do some illegal parking.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

There are several race series that take place on this course, but this is the only one (that I know of) that gives you a flashlight to use during the tunnel. You drop it into a bucket as you come out of the tunnel. If you choose to use your own, you must keep it with you the whole time.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s beautiful. There are moments when you will find yourself running without another person in sight and it’s surreal. This is a small local race, but I would encourage non-locals to make it a destination race.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No. It’s all flat or downhill. The only challenge is running through the dark tunnel.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Extremely well-organized. Unlike other races on this course, you don’t need to bring your own headlamp for the tunnel. They give you a small flashlight (with a wrist strap) at the start, and you drop it into a bucket when you emerge from the tunnel. Bib pickup/gear check at the beginning was a breeze. They even have race-day registration. GU and water were available and portapotties are abundant. At the end, they hand you a reusable race-branded water bottle that is full of water, which was a pleasant surprise. There was also free food and popsicles. Volunteers on the course were great; they even warned you when the photographer was up ahead.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Not sure. When I looked at the results, there were about 334 competitors, but about 40 were listed as DNF. I’m assuming they actually DNS.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I registered a week before, and lots of people registered onsite. There was no pre-race bib pickup. If you come in from out of town, just know the race start is about an hour east of Seattle. The Summit Inn is 2 exits away, but driving from Seattle is easy. You can stop at the Safeway (grocery store) in Snoqualmie Ridge, WA on your way to the start if you forgot anything (which I did).

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard fare (GU and water/Gatorade). No Nuun. There was a Search and Rescue guy riding a 4-wheeler on the course to make sure everyone was OK.

Weather and typical race conditions

The nice thing about this course is it’s shaded (i.e., with foliage), so even when it’s hot out, you’re not directly exposed to the sun.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

It’s difficult to explain the packed gravel situation. You can wear normal running shoes, as opposed to trail shoes. Most people did. My pacer was wearing foot gaiters, but I didn’t see any others wearing them.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

No. There’s really no place to easily legally spectate on the course. There may be one place, but I’m not sure. Have them pick you up at the finish (even parking at the finish is pseudo-legal).

How’s the Swag?

Excellent. The shirt is my favorite race shirt I’ve received so far. This year it was a sleek black technical short-sleeve V-neck. The logo and text look really cool. You also get a branded water bottle, transparent static cling sticker, and Buff neck gaiter. I will say the website mentioned we would get a “fabric gear drop bag,” but the gear drop bag was a normal plastic bag. Not a problem though; it’s probably for the better as it was nice to have the plastic bag for sweaty clothes at the finish.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Five stars. I’d do it again.

cascade super half cascade super half

cascade express marathon

Cascade Express Marathon Race Report – Tess C

cascade express marathon
Photo: Ben Luedke

Race: Cascade Express Marathon

Runner: Tess C

Race Date: 09/29/2018

Location: Iron Horse Trail, Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Results: 4:01:55

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. The scenery is beautiful.
  2. It’s a small no-fuss event (just over 200 finishers), with great people and awesome pacers.
  3. The downhill slope for most of the run probably helped my legs keep moving.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

I usually run road races, so the gravel and rocks was challenging for me. I ran it last year in road shoes (felt every rock, I swear), and this year I used a flexible trail shoe, which made it much less painful – highly recommend at least a light trail shoe for this run.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

The weirdest thing is definitely the 2.2 miles through the tunnel. Volunteers provide small flashlights to the runners just before entering the tunnel, and runners quickly learn how to optimize the tiny beam of light to avoiding tripping. The tunnel tends to slow runners down, I think. It’s hard to pace in there. In the beginning, it is just super cool. After half a mile, it starts to feel… well, uncomfortable.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

This year I finally stuck with a pacing group for longer than a mile. Ha. Pacers really are fantastic people. Bravo to them for sacrificing their PR so that I can avoid falling apart at mile 18. Although the final 6 miles were not great for me, I was nevertheless thrilled that my legs were still moving at a fairly steady pace, albeit a slightly-too-slow pace.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

As I mentioned above, use a trail running shoe. Also, this year was the first year the organizers didn’t see rain on race day, so be prepared to get wet.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I tend to train on pavement and treadmill. I think for any race that is advertised as being on packed, hard trail, it is a good idea to train on dirt and gravel. I was using my gastroc’s much more than is typical, just to keep moving forward.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Although it is called the Express and it is mostly on a downward slope, I think it’s still a hard run (hmmm, I guess that’s a factor of it being long distance). I would rather run on pavement and move uphill every now and then for better traction. Lots of people do P.R., though, so if you’re fast on trail, God bless you, go get that P.R. and I’ll live vicariously through ya.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Gorgeous. A little less gorgeous at miles 22-26, but still beautiful woods.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Well, not as easy for some as the “Express” would lead us to believe.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

They do a GREAT job! I am sure I lost track, but I want to say there were about 6 water stations, and at least two of those had Gu packets. At the Finish line, they cook up grilled cheese sandwiches, which really hit the spot. It has a family-reunion picnic gathering sort of feel at the end. There was bit of a wait (maybe 30 minutes) for the yellow school bus that takes runners back to the Start where our cars are parked, but it wasn’t bad.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I have no clue. I am not up there competing with anyone but myself. In my age group of women, there were only 12 of us.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Last year and this year, I registered many many months in advance, but I think registration remains available up until the race. There is a discount to use the Summit Inn (a roadside motel up at Snoqualmie), and those rooms are limited, so if you are coming from a far ways away, try to book a room sooner than later. From Seattle, just sleep in your own bed and drive up.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard fare. If you tend to require more hydration than the average Jane or Joe, I would recommend a water pack on your back.

Weather and typical race conditions

Our race day was unusually dry. Typically at the end of September, it’s wet.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Consider trail shoes and a camel back or water bottle belt.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Oh, not really. The first part of the course is a short out-and-back segment away from, and then back to, the parking lot at the Start line. Totals about 5 to 6 miles, I think. So friends could cheer for you there. Otherwise, nothing really until the Finish line, unless friends want to bring bikes and use the trail with the marathoners. It’s an open public trail.

How’s the Swag?

Shoot. I do not remember. Wait… A short-sleeved shirt at the Finish Line awaits each runner. And a plastic water bottle. And the finisher’s medal, of course.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Five stars. It’s a lovable race.

dionne super cascade marathon

Cascade Super Series Marathon Race Info

Date: 9/29/18

Location: Snoqualmie Pass, WA to Rattlesnake Lake

Start Time: 8:00am

Avg Temps (f): 57/42

Time Limit: 7 hours

Summary: A popular race outside of Seattle, known for its mainly downhill course and crushed gravel footing on a point to point course, this course is PR friendly, and there are several race companies that put on races on this course, this one hosting races in late June and late September. The course starts at an elevation of 2,550′ at Hyak Parking lot at Snoqualmie Pass, first makes a 5 mile out and back on the Iron Horse Trail (heading away from Seattle), and then proceeds through a 2.4 mile tunnel, after which it gently descends roughly 1500 feet all the way to the finish at Rattlesnake Lake.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • Runners are given a flashlight before they enter the 2.5 mile tunnel, which they can keep or drop off at the other end. If a runner uses their own headlamp, you are required to have it the entire time
  • Be sure to review the information on parking and shuttles, as the start and finish are in different locations and there are lots of places you can’t park
  • First 5 miles are an out and back and mostly flat with tiny hills, then you enter the 2.4 mile tunnel, then it’s downhill over the remaining 17.5 miles of the course
  • Your watch likely won’t work in the tunnel, so don’t believe the splits
  • The tunnel is a little disorienting, so plan on it feeling a bit odd to run through, then get your bearings on the other side
  • There are puddles in the tunnel, so if you’re running with a group, you’ll likely step in them before you see them
  • It gets warmer as you go from the start to the finish, so while you might be chilly at the start, it will get warmer as you head downhill to Rattlesnake
  • Lots of shade throughout on the course, with bridge crossings being more exposed
  • With aid stations every 2-3 miles, be sure to drink something if you want, because if you skip one, it’s a long way between 2 aid stations.
  • Not many bathrooms along the course since the aid stations are remote; best chance for one is around mile 18
  • The trail is smooth enough for road shoes, but there are some sections with some bigger rocks, so if you have light trail shoes, those work well too
  • Some runners wear gaitors so they avoid rocks getting into their shoes
  • Trail is mainly double track, so you run on either side of it, but not in the middle, where there are more rocks. Makes it a little harder to run the tangents and keep the distance as close to the measured course as possible
  • Only small uphill is at mile 13 and it happens quickly, short and slightly steep

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 10/1500

Total climbs: None

Course Map/Elevation profile

 

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 9

Furthest distance apart: 2.5 miles

Locations: Mile 2.5, 5.2, 7.7, 10.4, 13.1, 15.8, 18.5, 21.5, 23.9
What’s available: Water and electrolyte drink at every aid station; gels are given out at miles 13.1, 18.5, 23.9

Crew access

At the start and as runners come back from the first out and back, around mile 5, and at the finish (note, different locations since it’s point to point), and possibly mile 18.5, a good spot to access the Iron Horse Trail.

Race qualifiers

Boston!

Race Reports

Tess C’s 2018 September Report

https://teamrunrun.com/cascade-super-series-marathon-dionne-h/

http://www.edibleterrain.com/running/bq-at-cascade-super-series-marathon

 

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/1030166809

 

Race Website

https://cascadesuperseries.com/

dionne super cascade marathon

Cascade Super Series Marathon – Dionne H

Race: Cascade Super Series Marathon

Runner: Dionne

Date: 6/10/17

Location: Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Results – 3:43:45

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most: Small race, fast course, and this year they gave us lights for the tunnel so we didn’t have to bring our own. At the end of the tunnel we just need to drop them off in a box.

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you: Almost none.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race: It is not that weird since I already know it but running through the pitch black tunnel is always interesting. The first 15-20 seconds I lost my bearing.

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular: This is a fast course.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner. Just make sure you train downhill a bit for this. Although it does seem like it is difficult I have seen people ended up walking after only mile 17-18 because their quads were toasted.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around. I will use the bathroom before. I had to pee so badly after mile 18 but didn’t want to stop and there was no bathroom nearby. So .. I peed my pants. It’s the BQ that motivates me 🙂

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race: This year we had to go up and down for the first 5 miles before we enter the tunnel. After the tunnel it is all the way down to the finish line. It is better this way compared to last year when you entered the tunnel right off the start and finished the last 5 miles on the flat course.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course: Yes, it is. And for most part you will run alone too.

Difficulty – is it a tough course: Not at all but you definitely should prep your quads if you plan to run it fast.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants? Yes, it is. The aid station is also well stocked with water, gatorade and I believe some Gu as well. At the finish line they have warm food as well.

Competition – is there a strong field? Yes, it is. This race is known for its BQ.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen. No, but it definitely sells out quickly as they limit the amount of runners on the course.

Aid Stations: Well stocked with water, gatorade, Gu. And more food at the finish line as well.

Weather and typical race conditions – Weather can be tricky. This year it was cooler in the morning, slightly misty too and some patchy fog, and I finished my last mile in the rain. Dressed in layers if you are typically feeling colder but a lot of people had tank top on from the beginning too.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy? I put on my gaiters on my shoes. It helps me since most of the course is on gravel trail.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends. Yes, it is. All they need to do is to find any access to the Iron Horse Trail.

Awards – I don’t know about the awards.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it. I give it 5 stars because it is my 2nd time I got my BQ. Not only that, but overall the trail is very well maintained and beautiful views throughout.